Persist! Press On!

Press on! Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unrewarded talent. Education will not; the world is full of educated failures. Persistence alone is omnipotent.” Calvin Coolidge.

Since I returned from Florida a number of friends have congratulated me on winning the Adult Amateur Reserve Champion in the FEI Intermediare 1

I am happy to have the support of friends and fellow riders but I am always quick to point out that I did not win this because I was so brilliant or because I won every class I entered or because I got the high point scores. I won it because I turned up. I went down the centerline 7 times. Sometimes it was a good ride, sometimes a very good ride and sometimes a very difficult ride. The scores were up, they were down and they were in between. I just kept coming back. I rode in three shows of the White Fences Championship Series. I rode after the good tests and I rode after the not good tests. I pressed on. I persisted.

I am not saying it is easy because when you go down that centerline you will be judged. But remember this:

Don’t be afraid to be judged. When you’re afraid to be judged you stop living. David Coggins

I turned up . I showed willing. I pressed on. I persisted. That is how I ended up with that gloriously big ribbon and lovely bridle bag prize. So I encourage all of you, whatever your pursuits are, to press on and persist.

What a wonderful post and love the quotes! You are so encouraging, and you are so correct, persistence is the key! Never give up, sometimes easier said than done. Congratulations on your accomplishments! Well deserved indeed! ❤️🐎🐴❤️